Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/427

the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Privy Council. Bligh exclaimed, "Damn the Privy Council! and damn the Secretary of State too! What have they to do with me? You have made a number of false representations respecting your wool by which you have obtained this land." In the course of the morning, however, Bligh, accompanied by King and Major Abbott, visited Macarthur's house in the neighbourhood, and saw some of the sheep depastured there; but even then used violent language. This is Macarthur's account. Bligh denied its truth, but when asked, "Will you venture to re-state upon your oath that you never did utter any of those expressions (in the presence of Major Abbott and Lt. Minchin), or any words to the like effect?" he tempered his denial by saying, "To the best of my recollection I know of nothing of this kind of conversation taking place." Abbott on oath confirmed Macarthur's statement. It may be that in anger Bligh used words which he could not afterwards recollect. If so, he proved in one way that unfitness for his office of which the use of the words would have convicted him in another. Even coarser expressions were sworn to as used by him on other occasions.

The distress caused by the floods in 1806 caused high prices, and seed-wheat and corn were dear. Bligh continued the relief measures adopted by King. Macarthur had taken the promissory note of Bligh's bailiff, Thomson, for the repayment of wheat, advanced by Macarthur. Such transactions were common. After Thomson gave his note the flood of 1806 occurred, and there was a disturbance of prices. Thomson refused to render back the quantity he had received. The value, he alleged, was altogether changed. Macarthur replied that Thomson himself had not been a sufferer from the flood, and was as strongly bound to comply with his contract as Macarthur would have been on the other hand if no flood had occurred, and wheat had become cheaper. The case was referred to the Appeal Court, where Bligh decided against Macarthur. He, indignant, ceased to go to the Governor's house.

Another cause of quarrel arose. Abbott had sent to England for a still. His agent put it on board the Dart, of which Macarthur was part owner. Without any